Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown

The location is great, the lobby is cute, and the gym is clean and adequate. The rooms are acceptable but worn. My sink is broken, and the shower won’t change temperature. Housekeeping has been very poor: I ask every morning, but they won’t take my trash or refill my coffee. Employees also vape constantly in the elevator. The worst part was the front desk. At check-in, an employee accidentally charged my card twice, and said it would clear in a few days without apologizing. When it still hadn’t been refunded a few days later, I asked again and got a very rude response telling me to take it up with my bank. I understand if they can’t refund the extra charge themselves, but they could at least have been kind and apologized. I’m not coming back, and now I have to chase the double charge with my bank.

After traveling along the Eastern Seaboard for a few weeks, we stayed one night here on our way back to Atlanta. It was easily the best Hilton of our two-week trip. General Manager Rhyne Franklin came out of his office to greet us and make sure we were looked after promptly instead of leaving us waiting in line. We had several accommodation requests, and he helped us with each one. He checked every box we had in mind. Keith upstairs in the restaurant was very attentive as well. Thanks to both of them for excellent service.

We booked one king bed, but it wasn’t a standard king. I’ve stayed at many Hiltons over the last several years and never had this happen. The front desk sent someone to measure it, and it came out at 68 inches across. They call it a “hotel king,” but the booking description doesn’t say that. That feels like false advertising, and they refused to do anything to make it right. We also asked the front desk to bring an extra blanket, but they made us come down to get it. I’ve never had that experience at another hotel either. I’m incredibly disappointed. There’s a level of quality I expect from a Hilton, and this stay didn’t meet it. After my last two Hilton visits, I’ve decided Marriott is the better company. My family and I have status ranging from Silver to Diamond Tier, but we’ll all be going to Marriott now.

The room was clean and smelled nice, and the staff did a fantastic job. They gave me an Asheville map when I asked and suggested Maste General for souvenirs, which I was glad to visit. There’s a nice workout room and free coffee in the morning. Parking at $15 wasn’t bad for downtown, and several places are within walking distance. I walked to five points diner for breakfast and then over to Maste General. I tried the hotel restaurant’s avocado toast one morning. It looked pretty, but wasn’t what I expected and wasn’t the best I’ve had. Still, I enjoyed the stay and would definitely come back.